Matthew was involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in Richmond. It was quite by accident. They informed me that the wait would be at least 6 months… two weeks later there was a volunteer who was looking for a white kid someone like Matthew…
A month ago I called here locally to inquire about the program in Roanoke. I thought that a Big Sister for Samara might be a good thing and was told that the waiting list for little boys was closed unless the child’s father is incarcerated. He’s not. So we made arrangements for the lady to come out and talk to Samara.
She came today. While we were talking, I told her how we got a Big Brother right away in Richmond and she stated that she didn’t want to give me false hope but…
Mrs. Jacobson, what I told you about the waiting list being closed for little boys is true. But… we have a man that has been with BBBS for 30 years and his last little (little brother) aged out of the program. He’s got his profile on hold right now because his mother is sick, but he’s mentioned that he does want another match. He’s in his 50s, married, nice Christian man… He typically likes to be paired with white boys of middle class families…
Now I am in no way, shape, or form knocking those that are not white or middle class, but BBBS is a program for children of single parent homes… and middle class or not, that’s what we are. My kids need relationships too, ya know?
But she asked me if I would be interested, should this man be open to it WHEN and IF he returns to volunteering… um?
YES!!!!!
Well, Samara is NOT happy that they both are enrolled in the program, although she can’t come up with a valid reason… so as she’s putting on her performance for the BBBS lady, I say, “Samara, why don’t you want Matthew to have a big brother” and she says, complete with tears…
“Because then there will be someone else to boss me around…”
I say, no there won’t be sweetie…
To which she replies, “Yes, because I’m sure that’s what they will have in common…”
Someone needs to explain to this child that the world does NOT revolve around her…
Kudos to Donna though… she got Samara right back on track and now Sam doesn’t care what Matthew does… at least in the Big Brother arena…
So, now we wait…
I hope that they are both matched with wonderful people that can provide some more positive influences in their lives… 
So, say a little prayer…
Until next time…
Heather
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